I'm alittle confused with the retainers. What is the "lock angle" 7* / 10*?? What should I go with? The specs on the springs say
(Titanium Retainer 730) (Steel Retainer 740)

Should I just go with the steel retainers "740" cause i just looked up the specs and their soo close to the valve spring O.D. Thats what the retainers are classified as right? the valve springs O.D?

987's o.d= 1.430

steel retainers 740 specs=Super lock retainer Lock Angle: 10° Valve Stem Size: ALL Valve Spring Diameter: 1.437"-1.500"

so there goes that 10* stuff again (confused)

Someone told me that the larger diameter retainers will typically raise installed height. ?? never heard of that. Why don't you just get the retainer met for the valve spring and thats the end of it?

 

The titanium ones are very similar

730's=Double Lock Angle: 10° Valve Stem Size: ALL Valve Spring Diameter: 1.437"-1.500"

So like which is better. I'm guessen these have to be the best for my springs?

 

?? whats the degree mean and stuff help please

 

I used the 740 retainers and the Crower 10 degree super locks.

 

Comp's catalog recommends 740 retainers. You can use 611 or 613 keepers with them.

 

I found the Crower keepers to be much more robust looking and had a more positive lock tab.

 

The angle refers to the angle of the "wedge" created by the valve locks. When installed on the valve stem they're wider at the top of the locks than at the bottom so the matching angle cut into the retainer can't pull up past it. Stock locks and some aftermarket locks use a 7* angle from bottom to top. Very high performance stuff uses a more severe 10* angle from bottom to top which creates more "wedge" and has greater holding power.

Retainers and locks are designed to work together. Always buy the locks that are specified for a given set of retainers (if they don't come with them automatically anyway).

Titanium retainers are sought after for their very light weight (and great strength). Any time you can take weight out of ANYTHING in the valvetrain, without compromising strength, it makes the valve spring's job that much easier at high RPMs. That's why they cost so much- much lighter than steel and just as strong.

 

I had both the Comp 10 degree locks and the Crowers available when I put my heads together. My journeyman mechanic buddy that was helping me said he would definately recommend using the Crowers over the Comp locks. If you see them side by side it is startling.

 

oh ok I getcha. So If i get a retainer with 10* then i have to get locks at 10*

 

Correct.

 

Just for the record, and because no one really addressed the "installed height" issue, even amongst products from the same manufacturer, different retainers often have different installed heights. Even if they fit the same springs, you should definitely look into this if they aren't the ones recommended for the particular spring you're using (Comp vs. Crower). The good news is that if they physically fit the spring, they'll work, you just have to make sure you're not installing them at a radically different height. I've encountered situations where two different sets that would both fit the same spring altered the installed height by nearly .10". When you consider that in my case .02" made a 10 pound difference, neglecting this could be a major headache. Good luck.

 

Tony's absolutely right. Establishing correct installed height is CRITICAL to the springs being able to do their job (controlling valve movement) without either losing control or putting excessive strain on the rest of the valvetrain.

I always set up my own heads and establishing spring installed height is something I usually take my time with. For racing or when I'm feeling like a perfectionist they are all set up DEAD ON. For modest performance street use or a quick "throw-together rebuild" I'll let them float slightly between recommended installed height and +.020" over recommended installed height, but never shorter.

An ~$80 valve spring height mic is a must-have if you are doing this kind of work.

 

yeah I got the titanium ones meant for my springs. I could still use offset keepers/get longer valves. Their my 2 options right now.. I'm not going to buy a mic cause my machinist is doing the head work. I know what your saying about the retainers thickness.